The additional insights and nuances of ski performance is really great when you're in the market for skis. I mean, nothing replaces trying them, but it really helps narrow down the ones to demo. Congrats on 1K
I just installed Booster Straps based on his recommendation. He should definitely be sponsored. Also, at 13:00 he mention tuning. My crystal ball says a lot of his regular viewers would love a video on tuning and permanent wax.
Hey Elliot, I found your channel a while ago and love it. Thank you for the time and effort you put into it, and offering useful unbiased information. I can imagine you can't answer every question, but here's one. I am 6'4", 185 ish and ski in Europe, follow the kids off-piste and in the park, skin up around the resort about 20% of the time, will hit any powder I can get into and also love the G-forces of a good carve (which is probably most of the skiing I do). I have skied on a 2008 Völkl Gotama 183 for nearly 10 years and didn't know much better (I snowboarded fanatically about 30 years before that), until my bindings broke and I rented some skis that showed me I can now find skis that can do what I like (mess around in trees, do some wimpy jumps, tour, groomers...) ánd carve at speeds. So the search began. I have narrowed it down to the Fischer Ranger 96 or the Salamon QST98, which you seem to both like too. I love loading turns and putting in the power, but still have a lot to learn. I was veering away from the QST because the effective edge seems pretty short and I got the feeling that the Ranger is a better carver and possibly a little handier for uphill skiing in tight places. And the Mantra sounds awesome but is a little heavy for touring. What would you do? Ranger 96 at 187? Or the QST since you seem to feel like those are slightly better carvers? Thanks again, and no worries if my question goes unanswered.
I do like the QST's more, but if you want a ski that has easy turn initiation I would go with The Fischer Rangers, if you like a ski that feels comfortable at the apex of the turn and in the trees, go with the Salomon QST. Both are excellent options!
Im 1.85m at 90kg and have this ranger in the 184 .. love it on a 130 flex boot, feels so powerful and planted underfoot. Tinkered with my boots, took the flex down 10% to 115ish (because why not? Who doesn't like to tinker around with new boots? 😆) and wow, hated the ski, really had to work a lot harder to get it on edge. Completely different animal. It's amazing how you can change one thing in your skiing ecosystem and flip the experience on its head.
Spot on again, Elliott! Your experience with the super easy, hair-trigger initiation starting in the shovel was my biggest takeaway when I rode these (primarily the 96). Maybe my (Curated) expert opinion isnt SO bad. I didnt go for these for the same reason as you, I am a very active skier and that initiation made them a little too reactive for me when I am in a less-than-ideal position in bumps and such. I am also about the same weight as you and a few inches taller, and I really had to feel for the middle of the turn, like you talked about. When someone wants a good all rounder and they arent biting the QST or Mav, this is where I point them.
They also compare it to the old Rustler, but the tips of the Ranger are WAY better than the old Rustler. It has way more torsional rigidity. The titinal ends in a Y on the Ranger and I always hated the point on the Rustler, you can totally tell the two approaches apart. Cant wait to try the new Rustler, which retains more titinal on the outsides of the ski
Hey dude I’m 245 5’8” I was thinking of going up a size to compensate for my weight. In skiis instead of the 176 bump up to the 183 not sure what size you skied on but curious what your thoughts are. I definitely was looking to ski more through the trees this year then I have in the past.
Hi Elliott! Stellar review. I’m 6’1” and weigh 200 lbs. I’m set on getting these skis and wondering what you recommend for length. 176cm or 183cm? I ski on and off piste at Whistler. Thanks!
Got it. My thoughts as well. You recon at my weight I'll still get that snappy turn initiation you mentioned with the 183cm? I love skiing gladed at Whistler/Blacolmb. Many thanks!@@RicketySkiReviews
I really like my bent 100 charging soft moguls and tossing them sideways is awesome. Love this ski for how I ski. I not a fan of carving it is a style of skiing, it is not the only way.
Do you think you might do a video on the CAST touring system? What are your thoughts on it? I’ve got Pivot 15s on last seasons Salomon QST 106s and was thinking of getting the CAST instead of a full new setup.
Would love to eventually, just need to get more mileage on Touring systems since I'm currently unfamiliar. Thanks so much for the recommendation though!
Love the commentary and discussion as a taller / larger skier 6’4” 250#… I tend to listen to Bob’s feedback because he is larger but he is also a more aggressive skier than me so I would most likely not experience the same results when it comes to his feedback on this ski or the Elan Ripstick 88 and mention that feeling of overpowering the tips…. I have kept the Rangers in mind but also decided to go with the Elan Wingman 86 CTI over the ripstick since I am more frontside and it’s felt good as a larger skier and I haven’t even come close to taking full advantage of its build yet 😜… Ranger is definitely on the interest list so thanks again for the video on it
@RicketySkiReviews you might be right,I'm not even sure if I ever seen the blue one on the mountain when it was being offered same time as the pink lol
Great video! Just got a pair of these for wife. Some suggesting mounting these +2cm from factory recommended mounting point. Wife is an intermediate skier and sometimes in back seat. Given that would you recommend sticking with the factory point or moving the bindings forward? Any disadvantage of moving it forward?
Love your reviews. I did buy a pair of K2 mindbender 89Ti for more carving and groomers. I want a second pair of ski that are a bit wider. Seen you review this Fischer Ranger 102, K2 mindbender 99Ti and also your favorite Atomic maverick 100ti. I am an avarage, fun to ski person. Which one would you pick and any pros or cons on them?
I would watch the reviews I have on snow with the Atomic Maverick 100ti, but I loved those skis and think they have great carving and flotation with that Horizon Tech.
@@RicketySkiReviewsThanks. I looked at your K2 review, Atomic maverick 100Ti review (you mention them on some more videos). I looked at them but I am still between them. Any pros or cons between Atomic Maverick 100ti and Fischer Ranger 102?
I am 5.9 210.. I don't like stiff reactive skis like Kore 99 but Bob loves them.. He also loves Salomon QST.. Bob likes carbon.. I have my issues with carbon.. Bob likes a stiff tip.. That is his technique.. I think a lot of it is that you learn how to ski on the skis you were given.. I think if I learned to ski on reactive skis then maybe that would be the type of skis.. These skis sound more like they washout if you put a lot of energy in the tips rather than being reactive.. I might be fine on these skis..
BTW.. I used one of the pairs of GoodWill skis today and they were slipping and sliding.. 99 under foot and just not strong skis.. these were 170 long and i saw someone on 185 and length could play a big role.. i think the skis are at least 10 years old.. K2 Hardside (2011)..
Or you just adjust your style and don’t rock on the tips as hard. Bought a pair of used Ranger 102 FRs. Excited to try them. This will give me a head start on adjusting to them. I can’t wait to sit back on the tails and rock the bumps like Wayne Wong! 😊
Yeah, I agree, I think there's getting used to a ski, but certainly there's just a threshold of what characteristics skiers even want to adjust to. Great Comment!
Yes! That is the plan, I have been reaching out to Head to see if I can get a pair since there's not a lot around me, but worst case scenario I will just rent them from a local shop, just because I get so many requests! Thanks for the suggestion, I will definitely take it to heart.
Video idea. If you buy used skis. What is basics to be done to them on the bases and edges? Never have really worked on my skis with much confidence even tho I have all the gear. When do you grind vs. when do you scrape? I get the (free) binding check for safety. But with $50 min for ski base service how do you assess when to take to pros or diy? Video possible?
Great question! We cover it a bit in this video at the 15 min mark: th-cam.com/video/1LKPsKvZE3A/w-d-xo.htmlsi=4Rue2W5RQqGxVIno&t=903 but I would love to cover this more, thanks for the recommendation!
Hi, i dont think u have discussed sizing in the video. So i am going to ask here. I am 172cm tall (5'8") and weigh 70kg(155lbs). My daily driver is a 168cm Fischer RC One 86 GT. I have a 176cm enforecer 110 as my powder day ski. I want to add Ranger 102 to my collection for (its color😂) light snow day trees and bumps. Should i go with 169 or 176?
They are 1 lbs lighter at 180cm than my Gautama’s at 186cm. Seems like they might get bumped around compared to those sleds. Rangers 102 FR are new used to me. But watching people ski them they seem to ‘cut through’ because of shape. Maybe you can’t just point and go like my sledge Gotamas. But I think they will offer a different kind of stability at speed.
I had no issues at speed, doesn't rail through turns quite as aggressively as a Volkl Mantra or K2 Mindbender, but certainly holds its own if you keep a bit of pressure on that downhill ski.
They totally redesigned of course around 2021 . Rangers where made in Ukraine for a long time. Also the merged the freeride line with the all mountain. My 2020 Ranger 102 are amazing off trail.
The additional insights and nuances of ski performance is really great when you're in the market for skis. I mean, nothing replaces trying them, but it really helps narrow down the ones to demo. Congrats on 1K
Thanks so much! And thanks for being here for it! That's honestly my goal, there are so many skis out there
I just installed Booster Straps based on his recommendation. He should definitely be sponsored. Also, at 13:00 he mention tuning. My crystal ball says a lot of his regular viewers would love a video on tuning and permanent wax.
Thanks! Yes I would love to do this kind of content, I need to look at clearing out my garage and getting some of the basics back.
Congrats on 1000 subscribers. Enjoy every video.
Hey Elliot, I found your channel a while ago and love it. Thank you for the time and effort you put into it, and offering useful unbiased information. I can imagine you can't answer every question, but here's one. I am 6'4", 185 ish and ski in Europe, follow the kids off-piste and in the park, skin up around the resort about 20% of the time, will hit any powder I can get into and also love the G-forces of a good carve (which is probably most of the skiing I do). I have skied on a 2008 Völkl Gotama 183 for nearly 10 years and didn't know much better (I snowboarded fanatically about 30 years before that), until my bindings broke and I rented some skis that showed me I can now find skis that can do what I like (mess around in trees, do some wimpy jumps, tour, groomers...) ánd carve at speeds. So the search began. I have narrowed it down to the Fischer Ranger 96 or the Salamon QST98, which you seem to both like too. I love loading turns and putting in the power, but still have a lot to learn. I was veering away from the QST because the effective edge seems pretty short and I got the feeling that the Ranger is a better carver and possibly a little handier for uphill skiing in tight places. And the Mantra sounds awesome but is a little heavy for touring. What would you do? Ranger 96 at 187? Or the QST since you seem to feel like those are slightly better carvers? Thanks again, and no worries if my question goes unanswered.
I do like the QST's more, but if you want a ski that has easy turn initiation I would go with The Fischer Rangers, if you like a ski that feels comfortable at the apex of the turn and in the trees, go with the Salomon QST. Both are excellent options!
Im 1.85m at 90kg and have this ranger in the 184 .. love it on a 130 flex boot, feels so powerful and planted underfoot. Tinkered with my boots, took the flex down 10% to 115ish (because why not? Who doesn't like to tinker around with new boots? 😆) and wow, hated the ski, really had to work a lot harder to get it on edge. Completely different animal. It's amazing how you can change one thing in your skiing ecosystem and flip the experience on its head.
Totally agree, I have to be careful with my boots almost at a superstitious level.
Spot on again, Elliott! Your experience with the super easy, hair-trigger initiation starting in the shovel was my biggest takeaway when I rode these (primarily the 96). Maybe my (Curated) expert opinion isnt SO bad. I didnt go for these for the same reason as you, I am a very active skier and that initiation made them a little too reactive for me when I am in a less-than-ideal position in bumps and such. I am also about the same weight as you and a few inches taller, and I really had to feel for the middle of the turn, like you talked about. When someone wants a good all rounder and they arent biting the QST or Mav, this is where I point them.
They also compare it to the old Rustler, but the tips of the Ranger are WAY better than the old Rustler. It has way more torsional rigidity. The titinal ends in a Y on the Ranger and I always hated the point on the Rustler, you can totally tell the two approaches apart. Cant wait to try the new Rustler, which retains more titinal on the outsides of the ski
Hey dude I’m 245 5’8” I was thinking of going up a size to compensate for my weight. In skiis instead of the 176 bump up to the 183 not sure what size you skied on but curious what your thoughts are. I definitely was looking to ski more through the trees this year then I have in the past.
I wouldn't use length to compensate the weight, instead look at firmer skis with TI. I would go for the 176 based on height and trees!
Hi Elliott! Stellar review. I’m 6’1” and weigh 200 lbs. I’m set on getting these skis and wondering what you recommend for length. 176cm or 183cm? I ski on and off piste at Whistler. Thanks!
Either one would be fine, for the 102 I would probably lean towards the 183, but if you like smaller daily drivers, 176 probably would be fun too.
Got it. My thoughts as well. You recon at my weight I'll still get that snappy turn initiation you mentioned with the 183cm? I love skiing gladed at Whistler/Blacolmb. Many thanks!@@RicketySkiReviews
I really like my bent 100 charging soft moguls and tossing them sideways is awesome. Love this ski for how I ski. I not a fan of carving it is a style of skiing, it is not the only way.
Makes sense for that ski! Glad you love it, hope you have an awesome season.
Do you think you might do a video on the CAST touring system? What are your thoughts on it? I’ve got Pivot 15s on last seasons Salomon QST 106s and was thinking of getting the CAST instead of a full new setup.
Would love to eventually, just need to get more mileage on Touring systems since I'm currently unfamiliar. Thanks so much for the recommendation though!
Love the commentary and discussion as a taller / larger skier 6’4” 250#… I tend to listen to Bob’s feedback because he is larger but he is also a more aggressive skier than me so I would most likely not experience the same results when it comes to his feedback on this ski or the Elan Ripstick 88 and mention that feeling of overpowering the tips…. I have kept the Rangers in mind but also decided to go with the Elan Wingman 86 CTI over the ripstick since I am more frontside and it’s felt good as a larger skier and I haven’t even come close to taking full advantage of its build yet 😜… Ranger is definitely on the interest list so thanks again for the video on it
Right on!
1000+ Subs!! Congrats!! I’d like to hear the wood fence review: why is it “half”painted white? 🙃
Lol
Wish they wouldve kept the design of the old pink Ranger 102FR😢. That ski ripped and was still fun on pow days.
I know and they must have been popular bc pink was always sold out!
@RicketySkiReviews you might be right,I'm not even sure if I ever seen the blue one on the mountain when it was being offered same time as the pink lol
Great video! Just got a pair of these for wife. Some suggesting mounting these +2cm from factory recommended mounting point. Wife is an intermediate skier and sometimes in back seat. Given that would you recommend sticking with the factory point or moving the bindings forward? Any disadvantage of moving it forward?
Love your reviews. I did buy a pair of K2 mindbender 89Ti for more carving and groomers.
I want a second pair of ski that are a bit wider.
Seen you review this Fischer Ranger 102, K2 mindbender 99Ti and also your favorite Atomic maverick 100ti. I am an avarage, fun to ski person.
Which one would you pick and any pros or cons on them?
I would watch the reviews I have on snow with the Atomic Maverick 100ti, but I loved those skis and think they have great carving and flotation with that Horizon Tech.
@@RicketySkiReviewsThanks. I looked at your K2 review, Atomic maverick 100Ti review (you mention them on some more videos). I looked at them but I am still between them.
Any pros or cons between Atomic Maverick 100ti and Fischer Ranger 102?
I am 5.9 210.. I don't like stiff reactive skis like Kore 99 but Bob loves them.. He also loves Salomon QST.. Bob likes carbon.. I have my issues with carbon.. Bob likes a stiff tip.. That is his technique.. I think a lot of it is that you learn how to ski on the skis you were given.. I think if I learned to ski on reactive skis then maybe that would be the type of skis.. These skis sound more like they washout if you put a lot of energy in the tips rather than being reactive.. I might be fine on these skis..
BTW.. I used one of the pairs of GoodWill skis today and they were slipping and sliding.. 99 under foot and just not strong skis.. these were 170 long and i saw someone on 185 and length could play a big role.. i think the skis are at least 10 years old.. K2 Hardside (2011)..
Or you just adjust your style and don’t rock on the tips as hard. Bought a pair of used Ranger 102 FRs. Excited to try them. This will give me a head start on adjusting to them. I can’t wait to sit back on the tails and rock the bumps like Wayne Wong! 😊
Yeah, I agree, I think there's getting used to a ski, but certainly there's just a threshold of what characteristics skiers even want to adjust to. Great Comment!
@@RicketySkiReviews Thank you and OMG am I sore after skiing yesterday... Those GoodWill skis kicked my @$$..
Now we are missing Bobs head 🤣😂🤣😂
Someone had to be sacrificed, lol
Like your videos! Could you talk about Head core series in the future? I really want to get one of them
Yes! That is the plan, I have been reaching out to Head to see if I can get a pair since there's not a lot around me, but worst case scenario I will just rent them from a local shop, just because I get so many requests! Thanks for the suggestion, I will definitely take it to heart.
Video idea. If you buy used skis. What is basics to be done to them on the bases and edges? Never have really worked on my skis with much confidence even tho I have all the gear. When do you grind vs. when do you scrape? I get the (free) binding check for safety. But with $50 min for ski base service how do you assess when to take to pros or diy? Video possible?
Great question! We cover it a bit in this video at the 15 min mark: th-cam.com/video/1LKPsKvZE3A/w-d-xo.htmlsi=4Rue2W5RQqGxVIno&t=903 but I would love to cover this more, thanks for the recommendation!
Please explain “Splay”… thank you 🙏
it's like the angle away from the flat surface of the ski base, so think like a rocker tip
Hi, i dont think u have discussed sizing in the video. So i am going to ask here. I am 172cm tall (5'8") and weigh 70kg(155lbs). My daily driver is a 168cm Fischer RC One 86 GT. I have a 176cm enforecer 110 as my powder day ski. I want to add Ranger 102 to my collection for (its color😂) light snow day trees and bumps. Should i go with 169 or 176?
Just depends on what you like and want (I have a full video on ski size), but if it were me I would lean towards 169
@@RicketySkiReviews Thanks for the reply!
Elliott… how does the RANGER line handle speed?
They are 1 lbs lighter at 180cm than my Gautama’s at 186cm. Seems like they might get bumped around compared to those sleds. Rangers 102 FR are new used to me. But watching people ski them they seem to ‘cut through’ because of shape. Maybe you can’t just point and go like my sledge Gotamas. But I think they will offer a different kind of stability at speed.
I had no issues at speed, doesn't rail through turns quite as aggressively as a Volkl Mantra or K2 Mindbender, but certainly holds its own if you keep a bit of pressure on that downhill ski.
They totally redesigned of course around 2021 . Rangers where made in Ukraine for a long time. Also the merged the freeride line with the all mountain. My 2020 Ranger 102 are amazing off trail.
Oh interesting, the pair I skied were the 2023 which is the same as the 2024
What width rangers have You ski?@@RicketySkiReviews
Here's SKi Essentials Original Video: th-cam.com/video/c6uZlG9PWKI/w-d-xo.html
Great review. Love my Ranger 102’s!
Right on
What length do you ski in relation to your height / weight?
@@uncledabobI’m 6’5” 195 lbs and ski on the 190 cm.
When you have your face on the screen for these, try to put it on the side that does not have the ski that they are showing.
thanks for the feedback!
I think testing any ski over 100 width needs to be skied and tested in minimum 2 ft of snow! Anything less makes no sense😂.